The body of Christ is that unique community of practice…
““The body of Christ is that unique community of practice whose members own up to the fact that we don’t always love what we say we do—that the “devices and desires” of our hearts outstrip our best intentions. The practices of Christian worship are a tangible, practiced, re-formative way to address this tension and gap.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Who Owns the Future? by James K.A. Smith, 2016
Human beings often act contrary to their professed values, creating a gap between belief and behavior; worship practices help bridge that gap by shaping desires and actions.
In simple terms: People act against their values; worship can align them.
Key Takeaway
Use communal rituals to realign intentions and actions.
Themes
faith
practice
self‑awareness
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- church services
- personal reflection
- group prayer
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
habit formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice the gap between what you say and what you do?
- What practices help you align intentions with actions?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes worship is universally effective, which may not hold for all individuals.